All articles tagged with #black quarterbacks
Caleb Williams, the Chicago Bears' quarterback, delivered a career-defining performance with a game-winning touchdown in overtime against the Green Bay Packers, marking a significant moment in his young NFL career and highlighting the ongoing prominence of Black quarterbacks in the league.
The article highlights the mentorship and support among Black quarterbacks, focusing on Shedeur Sanders' rookie season and his connection with Jalen Hurts, emphasizing the importance of resilience, tradition, and mentorship in the evolution of Black quarterbacks in the NFL.
Jayden Daniels, a highly touted quarterback prospect, reflects on his journey from Arizona State to LSU and his admiration for Black quarterbacks like Colin Kaepernick and Lamar Jackson. He credits his growth as a person and athlete over the past five years and acknowledges the impact of Black coaches and mentors. Despite comparisons to Jackson, Daniels is focused on his own path and is poised to be a top pick in the upcoming NFL draft, following a successful college career and a commitment to facing stronger competition in the SEC.
Three Black quarterbacks were selected in the opening round of the NFL draft, with Bryce Young, C.J. Stroud, and Anthony Richardson joining the growing number of young Black men leading NFL teams. Young was the draft's first overall pick, with Stroud going second and Richardson fourth. The Panthers, Texans, and Colts each used their first-round picks to acquire potential difference-makers who play the most important position in team sports. The racist myths about Black men supposedly lacking the intelligence and leadership skills to play quarterback in the NFL are on the scrap heap of history.
Four Black quarterbacks made history in the 2023 NFL Draft, with two of them going 1-2 overall. Lamar Jackson also became one of the highest-paid players in the league. However, white quarterback Will Levis, who had been hyped up in mock drafts, was left waiting in the green room. While it was a bad night for Levis, it was a monumental one for Black quarterbacks, as the NFL finally acknowledged their value and importance.
Former NFL quarterback Akili Smith sees a historic moment for Black quarterbacks in the upcoming NFL draft, with college stars Anthony Richardson, C.J. Stroud, and Bryce Young expected to be selected in the first round. Smith believes that the rise of Black quarterbacks in the league is a huge accomplishment for the position, given the past doubts about their ability to lead, sit in the pocket, and remember plays. Smith also notes that Richardson, Stroud, and Young possess the talent to thrive in the NFL if they land with the right teams.
The 2023 NFL Draft could make history with the potential for four Black quarterbacks to be drafted in the first round, marking a significant milestone for a marginalized group of players. The evaluation of this year's crop of top quarterbacks has centered solely on their abilities as leaders, playmakers, and decision-makers, with no debates about their suitability for the position. The continued evolution of the game and the mindset of coaches and general managers signals progress and change for the better.